Madeline Kulk

It’s a sport that’s described as a mixture of rugby and netball on horseback and, over the next two days, novice horseball players will be throwing everything on the line. Practice for the inaugural under-16 interstate championships is underway at Moonbi Showground, with New South Wales and Queensland going head-to-head tomorrow. Organisers say the game will be a chance to fine-tune skills – the championships will be the first competitive event for many players. (FILE VISION ONLY)

There will be some sore legs tonight, after many young Tamworthians took part in a three-hour touch football game. The game was part of a family fun day, held at the Gipps Street fields, for NAIDOC Week. “It’s another opportunity for them to witness Aboriginal culture being celebrated and it’s a positive and accepted experience throughout NAIDOC week.” It was also a chance for local police and firefighters to come together with members of the local community. “It’s too often that we see those services in points of crisis and it’s nice to join them and build some good relationships in a time where it is actually more appreciated.” (VISION AND AUDIO IN PARTS)

Two Northwest rugby league players are in line for a future with the Newcastle Knights. The duo is part of a 33-strong elite pathways squad – who’ve been at a development camp in Tamworth over the last two-days.

The North West will once again host the New South Wales Country Eagles during the National Rugby Championships. Round one kicks off on the first-of-September – the Eagles landing in Armidale for their second home game on September 23. Tamworth rugby fans will have a chance to see the side in action at Scully Park on October 13, when they play Queensland Country. (vision only)

An organisation giving children with disabilities a chance to participate in group sports is safe for another year. Tamworth businesses and community groups have rallied around Wheels and Walkers to help reach it’s funding.

As the big dry continues, country music stars are rallying around the regions’ farmers with a drought relief concert. It’s part of the ‘Are You Aware, We Care’ drought appeal. Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to farrmers and their families, through the Salvation Army. “The concert will be headlined by country music superstar Lee Kernaghan, as well as a lot of local country music stars such as the Crosby Sisters, Ashleigh Dallas, Pixie, Lyn Bowtell.” Food donations are also rolling in for farming families – with collection points filling up across the city. “At this present stage government support hasn’t come through, we have to do it as a community.” The concert will be held at West Tamworth Leagues Club on Sunday, July 22. (vision and audio in parts)

Dry conditions are beginning to have an impact on the region’s real estate market. One local agent says some producers are now looking to invest in property, rather than crops or stock to ensure their money is secure.

It’s known as the koala capital of the world.. And now a group of passionate Gunnedah residents are calling for a dedicated health clinic for the marsupial. They believe the facility should be part of the new multi-million dollar koala park development.

It’s been revealed not all staff from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority will make the move from Canberra to Armidale. Around 40 specialist scientists will remain in the nation’s capital – working with the Armidale team via tele-conferencing. A second interim office has been set up, with the current workspace on Beardy Street set to reach capacity in August. The new headquarters on Taylor Street is expected to be complete by mid-next year. (VISION ONLY)

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